Okay, let's get to it then, ever have one of those projects that leaves you scratching your head? Not happy with it but unsure what to do?
I'm having one of those moments. It's been nagging me for about a week. I first shared a "sneak preview" with you here. I'm just not happy with it and canNOT figure out what to do about it.
This is a plaster piece, a decorative wall plaque that holds a candle. I've never liked the original color and that had to be changed if it was going to hang in my home.
Upon closer examination you can see the detail and texture.
Including the intentional cracks.
Kudos to overall detail of the piece, a big EWW at the colors (for me at least).
I wanted to give this piece a little makeover in the colors that would best compliment our living room. It will be hanging right between our french doors and a window, so I pulled color from the roman blinds.
I couldn't find any spray paint in the color I wanted so I had to hand paint this, it took 2 long, meticulous coats with a small brush.
Maybe I should have left it like this, I don't know.
Here's a close up shot:
Since this is plaster and there are cracks and plaster is white...I wanted to highlight the cracks with...you guessed it...white.
At this point I was questioning whether that was a good idea as it looks like lightning strikes all over it, right?
Close up:
Ugh, maybe when I use the Rub 'n Buff and give it a clear coat it'll look better..............
Here's a shot of it in the straight daylight:
I just don't know. Maybe I'm being overly critical but I doubt it because usually I like what I've done to things when I give 'em a makeover, this time it just didn't strike me, totally unsure of how it turned out.
Here's a close up of the gold detail:
And here it is hanging on the wall between the draperies:
It matches, that's a fact and it does look okay from a distance...I just don't know.
So there's the before and after and I definitely prefer the after, but...just not sure if it will remain this way. Still scratching my head.
Any ideas? What do you think?
as well as,
Treasure Hunt Thursday - Pamela @ From My Front Porch To Yours
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday - Linda @ Coastal Charm
Hi Audrey
ReplyDeletei love the idea you made the placque over. My problem is that the white cracks draw your eye out to the edges of the placque and take the focus off the angel. If that is the look you want then you certainly achieved that. If you want her to be more the focus and the rest more background, then you need to find a way to highlight her....just a different eye....
Thank you CatieAn and thanks for stopping by, that's exactly what I'm looking for here, different eyes, different perspectives. Have a great day!
DeleteHi Audrey,
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful piece and perhaps you're not liking it because it doesn't have alot of depth, the lightening bolt cracks show too much and it shines. Why not try a "wash" of either a diluted dark (brown or black) paint, rubbed off OR stain, rubbed off. That will show depth, slightly darkening the entire piece, allowing all the nooks and crannies to be shown. And finish it with a less shiny top coat. The Rub 'n Buff should still shine through the "wash"...but if you need to highlight anything with it, just lightly touch the high spots.
That's my 2¢ worth - hope it helps!
Jan ♥
Thanks Jan, I thought about doing a wash and sealing it with a satin instead of a shine. The cracks are too prominent, I agree with that. Thanks for the ideas! Have a great day.
DeleteThis is really a nice piece. Since you aren't exactly happy with the finished product, then your probably right to go with your "gut" on it. It probably is because it now has a bit of a new look to it, which may not be what you had envisioned. Like the previous comment, I was thinking you might could age it out a little with a little bit of stain. I hope you will post about it to let us know what you decided. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn, I'm probably going to do that, I think that will work really well and give it an antique look, it does look "too new". Thanks again for stopping by and have a great evening.
DeleteHi Audrey, I definitely like the new look better but I agree that maybe it looks too new. I think the wash idea is great or maybe softening the white to an off white. Lovely piece. Thanks for linking up at Transformed Tuesday. Hugs Peggy
ReplyDeleteThanks Peggy, yes, I agree, I think aging it will definitely do the trick and achieve the look I was going for. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
Deletei love your piece. i think what you are not happy with, is that it is flat. (meaning no movement) if it were me, i would marble it.(a little) the white maybe too stark. try instead an ivory. yes, plaster is white,but, aged plaster is a yellowish or tannish color. a bright red, then a burnt orange washed down with black wash would probable do the trick. as with anything, this is an opinion and you did ask. hope it works out for you. katherine
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine, all very good suggestions, thanks for stopping by and sharing. Have a great evening.
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